Bodyguard: Richard Madden James Bond plans CONFIRMED

Game of Thrones made him an international star. Bodyguard could make him the next James Bond.

The smash hit BBC thriller finishes tonight as the fate of protection officer David Budd is finally revealed.

Although Keeley Hawes’ Home Secretary Julia Montague was dramatically killed off last week (or was she?), Budd seems safe. The show’s creators are already talking about their worries he won’t be able to return for future series once he becomes a major star and Her Majesty’s Secret Service comes calling, which would imply he makes it out of tonight’s finale intact.

And Madden already has his sights set on the biggest role in Hollywood.

His father Richard Sr just spilled the beans.

He said: “During a question-and-answer session, somebody asked the question about James Bond and Richard (Jr) said, ‘I’m saying nothing.’ Because what can you say? Do you do an Idris (Elba) and have everybody talking about you and asking you that question all the time or do you keep your head down?

“Whether it is James Bond or any other big role, Richard has got ideas about things he’d like to do.”

And the proud father revealed his son’s ideas about Bond.

Richard Madden Sr added: “I’m quite sure he does want that to be on his CV one day but he’s not making a song and dance about it… Richard doesn’t specifically say, ‘This is my goal.’”

Clearly the Bodyguard makers are aware of all the buzz.

Writer Jed Mercurio said: “He’s the genuine article, a real leading man. And I think this role has put him very much in the spotlight for bigger things.”

“So the practicality may be that we have to work round his availability, if we are lucky enough to get him back.”

Of course, Madden joins other small screen leading men who have been catapulted to the front of Bond rumours by a major TV role.

Aiden Turner’s turn in Poldark and James Norton’s McMafia have kept them both at the top of the bookies’ lists, alongside big screen stars like Tom Hiddelston and, of course, Idris Elba.

Another fast-climber is Henry Cavill now that his role as Superman appears to be ending.

BODYGUARD IS ON BBC1 AT 9PM TONIGHT